From “Old School” to “Laja No Go Let Us Rest”: Saving IADC 04 Set Reunions from the “I Shouldn't Attend” Parade

By Emmanuel Daniji Honestly! This rider was meant for my brother, friend and secondary school classmate - Laja Ogunnubi. Yet, I had to write on how persistent he has being on making sure things do actualize in regards the case of a possible reunion. God! I haven't seen you guys in years… and I might not, not because I don't want to… but… where do I begin?A school reunion is supposed to be a sweet time to laugh, to remember, to reconnect. The kind of event where you forget the hustle of Lagos, Abuja, or Ogun State where we all met for the very first time and just sit in a class or hall filled with faces that remind you of simpler times. Times when the greatest trouble was whether the teacher (Mr Obasunlewa) would catch you making noise in class. (Beatings sure if your name was on the list - damn the class captains then)But in Nigeria today, let’s be honest, some reunions have turned into red carpets (I have had the privileges of running inclusive and exclusive PR for some - but not IADC 04 Set - not even IADC OSA). People arrive in convoy, perfumes choke the room, and the silent contest of “who has made it” begins. By the end of the day, instead of genuine hugs, you go home with an invisible scorecard: who parked what, who dressed how, who married who (Heaven Knows the Corana @ 70 this year oozed of it all - I saw the past Vice President mingle with old mates, while some private investors was “forming” - names withheld). The unity we once had as classmates starts to fade under the heavy tension of class and money.Yet, reunions don’t have to be like that. They can still be warm, funny, and unifying, if we do a few things differently.<img alt="" src="/media/inline_insight_image/images_9.jpeg"/>Take Joba, for example. Back in the day, Joba was the one who always buttressed every point in class debates (from a distance though). Even when nobody asked, she would stand up with confidence and hammer the obvious. That kind of spirit can save a reunion. Instead of letting wealth be the loudest voice, let Joba’s type keep reminding everyone of the real reason we gathered — the memories we share, not the possessions we flaunt. (Too bad she won't say anything after this - but we understand)Then there was Opeyemi Nowo. If laughter was fuel, Opeyemi supplied it endlessly. He was a menace in the best way possible, always cracking jokes that kept everyone together. A reunion should feel like that: plenty laughter, plenty gist, plenty harmless wahala. When laughter is loud, wealth becomes quiet. (The wehrey don dey form serious now - Hey Yemi Nowo - I'm not your boy, but I love you die)Of course, there will always be that one person who tries to turn achievement into a monologue. You know the type — the long CV talkers (Achievement is everything). The ones who make “thank you for coming” sound like LinkedIn updates. If only they knew that nobody came to hear career statistics; we all came to hear who still remembers the nicknames from SS2 (like that mad brother of mine Ayodeji Okubanjo got us flogged in front of the assembly for nicknames on the church pew - last last two of us no kuku become pastor like our papa), who can still sing “WestLife's FOOLS AGAIN like myself and Juwon Orelaja?, who still passes love letters like (una plenty o). That’s what binds us, not job titles.Now, if we must talk about persistence, no name rings louder than Laja Ogunnobi. For years, he has carried this reunion dream on his back. He called, he reminded, he pushed, and he refused to accept excuses. Laja is proof that reunions should not be about who is “big” outside school walls, but about who still has the heart to keep the class together. His stubbornness for unity deserves an award on its own. (I know say i dey owe you)And finally, who else but Adeola? Recently, she MCs anything from ceremonies to event. Give her a microphone today and she will still have us rolling with laughter and vibes while keeping the program on track. With someone like Adeola in charge, no one will even remember to show off. She’ll roast everybody equally, sprinkle old gist into every announcement, and by the time the party ends, you’ll be too happy to notice who wore designer shoes.The truth is simple: our classmates already know where we all started. No one forgets the child who always borrowed pencil, the one who always came late, or the one who never passed mathematics. So why bother proving who we are now with wristwatches and tinted windows? At the end of the day, nobody will remember your Gucci belt — but they will remember that you still made them laugh, that you still made them feel like family, and that you still kept the spirit of those old school days alive.And that, not a parade, is the true meaning of a reunion. Kayode Ogunbanwo go sha buy me and Nowisky Black Label for reunion.I won't see you all at the next reunion sha. I just say make i spill small ink.<img alt="" src="/media/inline_insight_image/images_2.jpeg"/>About the Writer Emmanuel Daniji is a world-class journalist, creative writer, and storyteller. He writes with a sharp Nigerian voice that mixes humor with truth, giving readers something to laugh about and something to think about. For features, editorials, or creative write-ups, reach him at <a class="tc-blue" href="mailto:emmanuel@danijigmail.com">emmanuel@danijigmail.com</a> | +2348102424962

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